27th Annual British Motorcar Show Sponsored by the Lewes, Delaware Chamber of Commerce on May 7, 2022
At the Lewes Ferry Terminal
MERCHANTS’ SPRING SIDEWALK SALE MAY 6 – 8, 2022
The Lewes British Motorcar Show “The British are Coming...Again!” will welcome a wide array of classic British vehicles to Lewes on Saturday, May 7 (NO RAIN DATE). The Lewes Chamber of Commerce and the British Car Club of Delaware co-sponsor the show. It will be held at the Lewes Ferry Terminal, 43 Cape Henlopen Drive, from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with no spectator entry after 2 p.m. The show is supported by Southern Delaware Tourism.
Twenty-seven years ago, Car Show chairman Mike Tyler and the British Car Club of Delaware originated the concept of staging a British Motorcar Show in the spring to attract visitors to Lewes before the summer season goes into full swing. In 2020, the show’s 25th anniversary was canceled due to COVID-19 and consequently the silver anniversary was celebrated May 1, 2021 with record attendance.
This year’s show will include a new class of vehicles – Modern Classics. In past years, only British-made vehicles produced from model year 2000 and older were eligible to enter the show. This year, a new class has been added - Modern Classics – model year 2001 to the present. Due to space limitations at the venue, the first 100 of the 2000 and older vehicles to register and the first 20 Modern Classics to register will be accepted. Registrations are accepted electronically at Eventbrite – lbmcshow2022.eventbrite.com
According to Betsy Reamer, executive director of the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, “The popularity of this show has continued to grow over the years and the show’s venue at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal in Lewes allows for staging 120 vehicles with the backdrop of the beautiful Delaware Bay.” Amenities at the terminal include food and beverage service at the Lewes Coffee Company and Grain on the Rocks and public rest rooms. One of the many attractions to attending this show, both as a car entrant and as a spectator, is the show’s proximity to the historic business district with its shopping (Spring Sidewalk Sale bargains!), museums and restaurants.
Five judges will be selecting the winners in each of 12 classes. There will be first place awards in 12 of the classes, second and third place awards in 10 of the classes as well as Best in Show. The judges are Lewes Mayor Ted Becker, Lewes Chamber of Commerce Board President Nikky Fisher, WRDE News Anchor Madeleine Overturf and British Car Club of Delaware members Charlie O’Donnell and Jeffrey Broderick, who will be coordinating the judging. Jeff is the owner of the 1934 Rolls Royce Phantom II that won Best in Show multiple times and has been “retired” from competition in the Lewes show.
The British Motorcar Show concludes at 3 p.m. with the Winners’ Circle Parade from the ferry terminal, across the drawbridge and then down Second Street. The cars will momentarily stop at Bank Street Plaza where Car Show Chairman Mike Tyler will be announcing the winners and the 33 winners will be given their awards by Mayor Ted Becker. Show admission is $5 for adults and children under 12 are free. For more information, call the Lewes Chamber of Commerce at 302-645-8073.
The British Motorcar Show is scheduled the same weekend as the Spring Merchants’ Spring Sidewalk Sale in the Historic Lewes Commercial District around Second Street. Their three-day sale begins Friday and ends Sunday, daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are other events sponsored by Lewes Chamber members taking place that weekend including the Lewes in Bloom Plant Sale at 218 Schley Avenue from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; the Historic Lewes Farmers Market in George H.P. Smith Park from 8 a.m. to Noon; the Peninsula Gallery’s opening reception for their “Garden Party” art exhibition. Details about all these events are on the Lewes Chamber of Commerce website’s calendar of events - www.LewesChamber.com